Abstract
Background: Ketanserin, a selective serononin2- receptor antagonist, is used for the treatment of severe hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. High concentrations are found in umbilical cord after maternal treatment. However, the effect on the circulation of the infant has not been investigated.
Methods: From May 2007 through December 2009, we prospectively studied 58 infants who in utero were exposed to ketanserin, by monitoring heart rate and blood pressure during the first 24 hours of life. We analyzed the effect of infant-related, medication-related (cumulative dosage, therapy duration and last dosage rate) and maternal factors. The primary outcome was hypotension.
Results: Eight infants (13.8%) became hypotensive during the first eight hours of life with need for treatment. Last dosage rate (p=.005) as well as mean dosage rate of ketanserin (cumulative dosage divided by therapy duration, p=.002) were significantly higher in the group with hypotension. Every hypotensive infant was exposed to a last dosage rate of at least 8mg/hour. Maternal HELLPsyndrome was diagnosed more often in hypotensive compared to normotensive infants (p=.048).
Discussion: This study provides evidence that maternal ketanserin use has a blood pressure lowering effect in the infant. The risk of hypotension is determined by the last dosage rate of ketanserin and the co-existence of maternal HELLP-syndrome.
Monitoring of blood pressure after delivery only seems necessary when an infant is exposed to a dosage rate of at least 8mg/hour. Observation of the infant during the first 12 hours of life seems to be sufficient to detect problems in blood pressure regulation.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schaafstra, L., Morssink, L., Van Roon, E. et al. 1256 Ketanserin: Use for the Treatment of Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy and the Effect on the Circulation of the Infant. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 622 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01256
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01256